TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear

Global includes Pre so definitely go global between those two.

Clear is nice but global is better imo.

So go with global.

I have Clear and Global fwiw

Bingo, thanks for the quick responses that's what I'll go for. Much appreciated.

Fair warning - the global entry process is a pain in the arse.

I did mine at IAH. It’s not the interview or getting there that’s the issue, it’s actually booking the appointment.

Only one trip, fortunately. I had mine approved literally as I was still driving back from IAH and they sent me my ID a couple weeks later.

Once you’re conditionally approved online, monitor the website every single morning for openings. It took me almost a week, but I was able to get one for the same morning. Had to reschedule a couple work meetings and haul arse to the airport but I got it done.

Clear covers all kids up to 18. My husband and I have had both. We have only ever used clear flying in and out of MSY. Kids pass through with us. Precheck only cover kids to 12 and all kids have to register for global if you intend for your family to utilize. Just some additional info.

Depends on when you want to use it. Right now the way for global entry is 6-8 months. If you don't have any international travel planned but have alot of domestic I would personally use it on TSA Pre since you'll get more use out of it then flying 5+ times over the next 8 months waiting on Global Entry

I’ll go ahead and state an unpopular opinion:

Clear sucks. It’s main value is being able to fly hassle free if you forget your ID.

Clear process no Precheck: Stand in line behind a bunch of people who don’t have clear who need to be redirected, get walked over to the eye scanner. Scan eyes, scan boarding pass. Get walked to the line for the one TSA agent who checks Clear passengers to check the boarding again. Get in line with the rest of the non-pre check people who had their boarding passes checked.

Clear process with Precheck: see above except the Clear line is longer because many people have multiple credit cards which covers the cost for both. The regular precheck line has been shorter for my last few flights.

Get Global Entry

Clear is different from the other two. It only lets you bypass the TSA ID checkers. you still have to go through the actual security scan. And you still need pre-check to go through the hassle-free line. So you still need pre-check if you have Clear. GE includes pre-check and is only a few dollars more for the 5 years it is valid. Best combo is Clear + GE in my view. GE will not only get you pre-check but make customs and repatriation a breeze.

may not be applicable to the OP but just a general reminder...if you have a TWIC you have TSA/pre